Album Review: Suuns - Images Du Futur

Suuns' 2010 debut album Zeroes QC showed an experimental, groovy kosmische-influenced band who reached beyond their powers though still provided an enjoyable, if slightly derivative, listen. It is perhaps a clever sleight of hand, then, that their second album, Images Du Futur, opens with such a difficult track. Every line of Powers Of Ten is muttered through gritted teeth and with steely reserve. Droning bass and scratchy repetitive one-tone guitar create a menacing soundscape and help frame the album as what Suuns surely revel in it being: 'not for everyone'. Things get a little easier from there though, with lead single 2020 recalling Radiohead in their more minimalist moments. Vocalist Ben Shemie shows off his ethereal chops here too, channelling Thom Yorke to an almost parodying degree behind a throbbing bass pulse.

Images Du Futur certainly warrants comparison to other artists; almost every track can be traced back to its stylistic origins, be they the kosmische of Neu! on Minor Work or Four Tet reminiscent jazz beats of Sunspot. This is not to say these tracks are not enjoyable, both are actually highlights of the album, but it does say a lot for the band's creative drive.

There's not anything wrong with Images Du Futur, it's ten brisk and well-engineered pulsing electronic rock tracks, but to imply there's anything futuristic or forward looking about it would be a brave compliment indeed. Suuns channel their influences into relatively original sounding music here and those unfamiliar with Faust, Neu! and Clinic will likely find it all very innovative, but the album (pleasurable as it is while spinning) offers little to go back for.